5 Ways to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

It’s October, which means that the sights, smells, and sounds of autumn are all around us. We are greeted by hues of red, orange, yellow, and brown, along with Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations that are showing up on the store shelves and adorning houses.

Yet there is one color that stands out among all the fall shades. That color is pink.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you’d be hard-pressed to not notice the pink ribbon pinned to shirts and represented proudly on water bottles, bumper stickers, and more. Most people are familiar with the pink ribbon, but there are many other ways to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer research.

Here Are 5 Ways to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and Help Contribute to Finding a Cure:

1. Go For a Walk (or Run)

Through the American Cancer Society, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is an annual walk throughout various cities across the United States. You can sign up as an individual or a team, or simply donate money to a participant if you aren’t able to participate yourself.

Sometimes it can be difficult to align your schedule with a particular event date. Thankfully, there are other options out there. Virtual 5Ks and 10Ks are gaining popularity and make scheduling very easy. You can go the distance on your own time and at your location of choice, and many allow you to walk, run, bike, swim, or even crawl if you want to!

2. Go Shopping

Spend money, buy some new cute items, and support a great cause. Is there a better combination than that?

Many big name retailers will set up sections in their stores and online for special-edition pink breast cancer awareness items. These can range from clothing to accessories, makeup and beauty products, and even special pink tool sets!

3. Hold a Fundraiser

Perhaps you’re someone who loves to organize events and wants to put that skill toward a good cause. There are so many different events that you can put together to help raise money. You can organize a benefit concert, hold a silent auction, host a yoga event, or even set up a lemonade stand in your hometown.

There is one color that stands out among all the fall shades. That color is pink.

You can also help raise money and awareness within your school or workplace. Set fundraising goals and the classroom/office prize can be a casual dress day or a special pizza lunch. This is a great way to raise money for an excellent cause and to create some camaraderie amongst peers and co-workers.

The best part about holding a fundraiser is that you can decide which organization you would like to support. It’s always good to do your own research to find which companies will donate the most money to the area that is most important to you, whether it be research, awareness, or some other facet.

4. Get Involved

You don’t just have to give your money to organizations in order to raise awareness. Instead, give your time by volunteering at a local fundraiser or event.

So many of these non-profit organizations rely on volunteers in order to make these events happen year after year. The more people that volunteer, the more money that those organizations are able to donate to the cause.

5. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

There are so many factors that can lead to breast cancer, and a lot of them are out of your control, including aging, genetics, and even race.

However, there are ways that you can help reduce the risk of cancer. For example, there are many foods with natural anti-carcinogens that decrease your risk of cancer, and even just 20 to 30 minutes of exercise a few times per week greatly decreases your chances of developing cancer.

Education and prevention are key points to raising awareness. Ignorance is not bliss!

Not only is it important to watch what you’re putting into your body, you also need to be careful about what you’re putting on your body. So many makeup and beauty products contain ingredients that are bad for you and can cause cancer. Look for nail polish that is “5-free” and other products that are “paraben-free” and without other toxic chemicals.

There are many small, simple changes that you can make in your life. Use glass or BPA-free plastics for your water bottles. Use natural cleaners (such as vinegar) rather than harsh chemicals. Such small changes can make all the difference in the long run.

Do your research and share this knowledge with your friends and family. Education and prevention are key points to raising awareness. Ignorance is not bliss!

Support Breast Cancer Awareness This Month and Every Month

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. When it’s detected early, the five-year survival rate is greater than 92%.

This is an alarming statistic and shows you just how important it is to perform your monthly self-exam and your annual women’s health exam. It’s important to know your body so that you can notice any abnormalities as early as possible.

Even the smallest contribution can help save a life.

Regardless of your schedule, it’s so easy to support the Breast Cancer Awareness movement this month. It can be as simple as adding it to your workout schedule or including it in your shopping trip. And, let’s face it, you’re going to do those things anyway!

Perhaps you can even incorporate an event or fundraiser into your next girls’ night out! Let’s all work together and spend this month supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. Even the smallest contribution can help save a life.

This article and all included information is not intended as medical advice and does not treat or diagnose. Please consult your doctor for any health-related questions or concerns.